Scottish Rugby and principle partner, RBS, today unveiled a new trophy for matches between the Scotland and Ireland club XV teams.
The Dalriada Cup was borne out of the additional significance for the sponsor which, through the Irish arm of RBS (Ulster Bank), will have a foot in both camps when the sides contest the trophy for the first time at Netherdale this Friday (11 March, kick-off 7.30pm) – ADMISSION FREE.
Scotland Club XV and Melrose stand-off, Scott Wight, was delighted that he would have the chance to lift the trophy which adds an extras incentive to Friday’s match as they aim to become the second Scottish side to see off Irish opposition at the home of Gala RFC, after Scotland A’s 32-13 triumph over Ireland A in January.
He said: “The club XV team gets great support at Netherdale with a crowd of over 2000 turning out on a pretty miserable night to watch our win over France last season (13-9), so to have that backing against Ireland this weekend, as well as the chance to lift a new trophy at the end of it, is pretty special.
“RBS haven’t been a sponsor for very long but it’s great to see that already they’re looking to get involved where they can and be more than just a name on the jersey.
“We just have to make sure it’s us that lift the cup on the night.”
Staff from both banks were invited to the submit names for the Cup with Dalriada (which in Gaelic – Earra Ghaidheal – means ‘the boundary of the Gaels’), proving to be the most popular.
Dalriada was a sixth and early seventh century Gaelic kingdom that spanned the western coast of Scotland (which roughly covered Argyll & Bute and Lochaber) and the northern coasts of Ireland (County Antrim).
RBS spokesperson Peter McCarthy, MD Branch Banking in Scotland, said: “It's great that we can mark this occasion between Scotland and Ireland with a commemorative cup, helping to celebrate the game.
“Rugby at the elite level will always receive the highest profile, but a growing and vibrant grassroots rugby community is crucial to the ongoing success of the sport.
“Local clubs and club players are the life-blood of the game and we want to wish both teams the very best of luck when they come head to head on Friday."

This article was posted on 9-Mar-2011, 12:06 by Hugh Barrow.